Durban - No load shedding was expected on Thursday, but the possibility of rotational blackouts had increased due to the loss of additional generation units, Eskom said on Wednesday night.
"There is an increased probability of load shedding [on Thursday] as some generation units will be taken off the system to conduct emergency repairs. As the system is constrained, vulnerable and unpredictable, any additional shift in generating performance could lead to load shedding at short notice. We will utilise emergency reserves to supplement the supply overnight," the power utility said via an emailed statement.
Unplanned outages or breakdowns were at 11 773MW by 5:30pm on Wednesday afternoon, while planned maintenance was at 4 602MW, it said.
"Eskom reminds South Africans that there is a possibility of increased load shedding over the next 18 months as we are conducting critical maintenance to restore the ageing plant to good health. We request customers to continue using electricity sparingly to help curb demand."